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Some individuals don’t feel that their smile is an asset, so they do their best to keep it hidden. Pictures, funny movies, jokes, hilarious internet videos—none of these can induce a smile or chuckle.

If this person sounds familiar (because it is you!), then maybe you would like some specifics about complete smile makeovers.

Don’t be embarrassed! Plenty of folks are disinclined to highlight their smiles.

Here at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS we provide cosmetic dentistry procedures for our patients who have concerns such as a previous mouth injury, tooth discoloration, poor spacing, chipped teeth, tetracycline stains, crooked teeth, or missing teeth.

Now is the time to get the confident smile that you’ve always wanted!

Many individuals start with teeth whitening. This quickly creates a brighter smile. It’s a simple procedure, but the results are truly significant.

Other procedures that improve the look of your teeth and/or your oral health include dental crowns, dental implants, veneers, enamel shaping, gum contouring, bonding, and more! We can also refer you to an experienced orthodontist if needed.

I’m Dr. Clint Blackwood and I am committed to helping my patients enjoy healthy mouths and beautiful smiles.

Visit Us Once and You’ll Be A Patient For Life

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Implants? Crowns? Veneers? Invisible braces? As dental technology and services have expanded in the Murray area, so has the vocabulary. Dentistry has advanced to provide many new solutions that address almost every possible dental trouble.

Dr. Clint Blackwood, considered one of the best dentists in Utah, has skill with cosmetic and ideal restorative services.

In the past, if a patient in Murray had a missing tooth or a severely damaged tooth, Utah dentists regularly suggested dental bridges or dentures, because they were the best options at the time. These days, cutting-edge dental implants have proven to be superior to dental bridges for most Salt Lake City patients. They can also replace dentures or anchor dentures for some patients.

A tooth implant provides advantages over a bridge or dentures:

Longevity – Dental implants are strong and permanent, meaning with proper care they can last ten years or more.
Seamless – Manufactured to have the same shape, size, and color of the original tooth, the implant will blend seamlessly with all the other teeth. If the original tooth had aesthetic troubles, these can frequently be repaired with the implant crown.
Function – A dental implant functions like a natural tooth allowing for normal eating and speaking.
Convenience – No adhesives, rinsing, or removal is required.
Independent – No damaging of adjacent teeth is required, as with dental bridges. The uniqueness allows nearby teeth to remain intact. Cleaning is easier than with most dental bridges which can require the threading of floss under and around the artificial tooth.

Let’s discuss the tooth implant protocol:
If you are interested in getting a tooth implant, call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS at 801-938-8855 to schedule a tooth implant consultation. Dr. Blackwood practices in the greater Salt Lake City area from Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS in Murray. Dr. Blackwood will complete an exam, take x-rays and guide with you. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, the process will begin.

Plaster dental impressions of both upper and lower plates will be taken. Dr. Blackwood will precisely place the titanium implant, which looks like a dark screw, into the bone of your jaw. Within the following couple of months, the bone and implant will bond together to form a new root for your new tooth.

After the bonding of the bone and implant is complete, an extension (called an abutment) is placed on top of the initial implant post. This post extension is capped with a temporary tooth. Meanwhile, the team of professionals at our lab will shape your new, permanent crown.

Dr. Blackwood will then put the pleasing permanent crown on top of the full post. This tooth will match your other teeth to create a fantastic new smile. You will find that the comfort is the same as your natural teeth, to the point that you may even forget which tooth is the implant. The upkeep is the same, with brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups necessary.

If you want to determine if a tooth implant is right for you or desire specifics about cosmetic dental smile makeovers, call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS for more details. We look forward to meeting you!

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

We find that many dental patients in the Sandy, Taylorsville, and Draper areas get a couple of dental terms mixed up. We would like to clarify the differences between plaque, calculus, and cavities.

Plaque is a film that covers teeth – a sticky layer of bacteria. You can remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing. However, if it isn’t removed it can build up and harden into calculus.

Calculus, also known as tartar, is hardened plaque that also accumulates minerals from food and saliva. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your Murray dentist are necessary to remove tartar as well as hard-to-reach plaque.

Plaque and calculus are not cavities, but they can lead to cavities. A cavity is basically a hole in the tooth caused by decay. Because plaque and calculus contain bacteria, the bacteria release acids which accelerate tooth decay and eventually lead to more cavities.

A good rule of thumb for Salt Lake City dental patients is this: Avoid plaque to avoid calculus and tartar to avoid tooth decay to avoid cavities. Got it?

I hope you’ve found this helpful, and if you’re in the Sandy, Taylorsville, or Draper area and are in need of quality dental care, call our office at 801-938-8855 to schedule an appointment today.

Our high-quality staff would love to answer any questions you have about our services, including cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and veneers.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Most parents know children’s oral health basics: brush regularly, reduce sugar intake, limit snacking, and get adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D. Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS recommends three additional tools for preventing cavities in toddlers and children.

Sealants
Fluoride supplements
Oral rinses

Resin dental sealants are applied by your dentist. The material bonds to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, protecting the pits and fissures from decay. Some Utah dental insurance providers cover dental sealants, so check with your provider if you are considering them.

Fluoride supplements help strengthen developing teeth prior to eruption. You can get a prescription from your pediatrician or talk to us at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS in Murray. There is one caveat, however: if you have fluoridated water, your pediatrician may counsel against taking additional fluoride in supplement form.

If your son or daughter is taking fluoride supplements, is an oral rinse redundant? Actually, no. While supplements help tooth development, fluoride rinse helps teeth that have already come in. Make sure you pick one specifically formulated for children. Products labeled as a mouthwash are usually intended only for breath-freshening and may not contain fluoride.

I counsel children to use an oral rinse after they brush and floss at night. They are most effective when they are the last substance on teeth before kids go to bed.

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we believe that with proper preventative dentistry, kids can enjoy healthy teeth for life.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Today’s Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS post addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the infamous root canal.

A successful root canal (or endodontic treatment in dental-speak) can save a tooth and prevent the need for an extraction followed by a dental bridge, dental implant, or gap in your smile.

If, after a thorough evaluation, we determine that a tooth needs a root canal, Dr. Blackwood will explain the procedure and costs that are involved.

Root canals are completed to save an infected tooth. If not treated, abscesses and complete tooth loss may occur.

During the procedure, Blackwood will remove the nerve and pulp, and then clean and disinfect the interior of your tooth (the canal). The next step is filling and sealing the cleaned area with a special rubbery material, and then protecting the restored tooth with a crown or filling.

Root canals have the reputation of being painful, but this is not the case anymore. There are several effective pain management methods available today at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS. We will make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the infected tissue is removed, we will focus on helping the area heal.

If you are unfamiliar with our services at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, be sure to visit our website at http://www.saltlakedentalcare.com/meet-dr-blackwood/ to get more information.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

A sensational smile leaves a lasting impression. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically improve your overall appearance and give you a boost in self-confidence.

Most people are aware that smoking is not only bad for our lungs but can also discolor our teeth. There are even some medications that can impact tooth color.

If you are considering having your teeth whitened, you must first select which method to use. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we enjoy discussing treatment options with our patients. To schedule a consultation to talk about teeth whitening or any other dental procedure, call 801-938-8855.

At-home whitening treatments usually consist of trays filled with whitening solution. It generally takes 7-14 days to achieve 3-6 shades lighter. Brush-on teeth gels and whitening strips take up to 30 days to realize results. Whitening toothpaste may lighten superficial stains but often provides no change in the appearance of teeth.

Professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dental professional achieve dramatic results that can last longer than other treatments.

All of the whitening methods may cause tooth pain or sensitivity, but this usually goes away in a few days. If you have crowns, porcelain veneers, or dental bonding, it is crucial to speak with your dentist before choosing a whitening method.

Visit Us Once and You’ll Be A Patient For Life

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

You may not be able to articulate why all the components blend in perfect harmony. But you know it when you see it.

We’re talking about a beautiful smile. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, beautiful smiles are our specialty.

We provide tooth implants and other cosmetic dental procedures for complete smile makeovers.

You may be surprised at how many details Dr. Blackwood must consider when planning for a smile redesign.

Here are a few of the most obvious characteristics:

• Tooth Color: shade, brightness, uniformity
• Tooth alignment: straight or crooked?
• Tooth size and proportions: are some teeth much larger or smaller than the rest?
• Tooth spacing: is there crowding or big gaps between teeth?
• Gumline margins: how much gum shows when you smile?

Here are some other considerations that may be less familiar to the layperson:

• The portions of the teeth that are visible when the mouth is at rest
• The relationship of the smile line and the lip line
• Zenith points: the highest point of the gumline in relation to the center of the tooth

If vital design principles are not complied with, the smile may look ‘off’. Or it could impact the function of the teeth and jaw. For example, a smile transformation performed by an inexperienced cosmetic dentist could change the patient’s bite and put unnecessary stress on the restorations.

Do not elect a dental implant dentist by procedure cost alone. If you are contemplating a single tooth implant or total mouth restoration, call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS today to schedule a dental implant consultation.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Every person’s mouth provides a cozy home for over 600 types of bacteria. If you are passionate about oral hygiene and have healthy gums, these microbes usually don’t affect your health. However, if you have gum disease, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums and cause problems.

The first sign of gingivitis is swollen, sore gums.

Gingivitis is the term for Stage 1 gum disease. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we routinely discover gingivitis in patients who are not even aware that they have the condition.

It is essential for people to understand that it is not normal for gums to bleed when they are brushed or flossed. Sore, swollen, or bleeding gums are an alert that something is amiss.

If you haven’t had an oral examination in a while and live in the Salt Lake City area, call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS at 801-506-6009.

Dr.Blackwood will complete a thorough examination of your teeth and gums and take time to discuss the results and recommendations with you.

Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS is a full-service dental practice at 279 E 5900 S Ste 202 in Murray. We provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry for patients who live in Murray and the nearby communities of Sandy, Taylorsville and Draper.

During your dental consultation, we can examine any cosmetic or restorative care in which you are interested. Some of the procedures that we use to achieve brilliant smiles are porcelain veneers, orthodontics, dental implants, and tooth bleaching.

If you haven’t had your teeth cleaned in a while, we invite you to schedule an extensive cleaning. Our hygienists are skilled professionals who complete the ultimate in dental deep-cleanings.

Oral health goes hand in hand with your overall physical health. Schedule a dental consultation today by calling 801-506-6009.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

The retention phase is an important milestone. When you’re ready for an orthodontic retainer, the slow, challenging work of moving teeth is over.

Your smile looks amazing, but stay with the program.

There is still a lot going on behind the scenes—under the gums. Your jawbone, muscles, and soft tissues are adapting. This takes a while.

What is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps teeth preserve their new position after orthodontic treatment. Retainers may be removable or fixed in the mouth.

Patients who neglect to wear their retainers are at risk. Their beautifully-aligned teeth may shift. If your bite was corrected during treatment, it may revert back to the original condition.

Follow Dr. Blackwood’s Recommendations

Your dentist will prescribe a schedule for wearing your retainer. Your orthodontic treatment plan is unique. It may differ from that of other patients.

What If I Lose My Retainer?

Occasionally, patients lose their retainers. If this happens, contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS right away for a replacement. We understand that life can get hectic. We urge you not to let weeks pass without getting a replacement retainer.

We teach our patients how to care for their retainer. It’s helpful if parents reinforce this training at home for their kids undergoing treatment.

Keep Your Retainer Clean

After eating, clean the retainer with a toothbrush. Brush it carefully with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You can use denture cleaner periodically for a deeper clean.

If your teen has a cell phone, set an alert to remind them to clean their retainer. While you’re at it, set an alert reminding them to keep the retainer in its case when not in use.

Keep Your New Smile Clean!

If it’s important to clean your retainer, it’s no surprise that it’s even more important to clean your beautiful new smile. It will be easier now that the braces are off.

Practice daily oral hygiene. This includes brushing after meals and flossing at least once a day. Flossing and brushing before bed ensures that particles of food don’t sit on teeth all night. For extra cavity prevention, use a fluoride rinse before going to sleep. This helps to rinse food particles from your mouth as well as neutralize the acids that cause plaque.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107